I didn't know the swim was going ahead until about 10pm on Sunday night. I was told to meet at Folkstone harbour at 7am the next day. At 5am I was standing at Dover harbour, trying to gather my thoughts and prepare myself for the task ahead. After some pasta for breakfast we arrived with all our gear to meet my pilot Fred and his son Will. Also there was my official observer, Stanley, who at 70 is planning to swim the channel later in the month to become the oldest person ever to do so! Good luck Stanley!

We got on board and I was feeling great despite only having had 4 hours sleep! This was mainly down to my mind being so active thinking about the swim. Next was the greasing up process. Baby factor 50 waterproof sun block for any part exposed to the sun, followed by vaseline on all the parts that rubbed - and they are numerous! As the boat trundled its way over to Samphire Hoe where I was to start, I remember commenting that I felt like a convicted criminal being taken to the Tower of London for execution! I felt both excited and complete dread at the same time!

The sea looked calm and I was told the temp was 17c which was warmer than I was used to in Dover harbour. The boat stopped and I jumped into the sea to make my way to the beach for the start. It still felt bloody cold!! I started off at a good pace, although I was concerned that I may have gone out a bit too fast. The first hour went really quick and as I took my feed I looked back at the cliffs and wondered if I had actually gone anywhere - they looked so close!

As the swim went on the sea became rougher. Waves were knocking my arms around and breathing became more difficult as waves were hitting me directly in the face. I remember stopping for my 3 hour feed and becoming quite concerned for those on the boat as it rocked so violently I thought it was going to capsize! I noticed fewer people coming to the side to help with the feed. I later found out that 3 of the crew, including Fred's son/co-pilot were suffering badly with sea sickness due to the rough sea!

I plodded on trying to occupy my mind with whatever I could. Singing songs is always a favorite. I was surprised at how few songs I actually knew from start to finish. Bohemian Rapsody took a right old battering. I must have sung it at least 6 times! After a while you do tend to go into a kind of meditative state and I had my eyes closed for much of the time. I remember seeing some strange things also. On several occasions, I could have sworn I saw another swimmer next to me - obviously this was not when Chris was in with me! It was either a trick of the light or my imagination, but I couldn't help thinking about those unfortunate swimmers who have lost thier lives attempting this swim and it made me feel quite sad.

About half way in Chris Pountney joined me in the water. This was like a breath of fresh air. Having Chris next to me really lifted my spirits. However, it was around this time that the sea became even rougher! I have not had the wind speed verified yet but the breaking waves on me said it all! It was like swimming through a storm! My feeds became more difficult as the boat was rocking so violently I was at risk of being hit by it as I fed. I seemed to be continuously trying to swim away from the boat duing my feed as I was dragged towards it, as it towered over me!

Seeing France becoming nearer was such a great feeling. But as I was about 3 miles from the coast the currents were very strong and no matter how hard I tried I just didn't seem to be getting any nearer! This last stretch was torture for me. I desperately wanted it to be over and I could see the finish but just couldn't get there! Eventually the boat stoped a good 200m from the beach and I was told to go it alone. I swam like fury to get there. The waves were huge as I got nearer to the beach and I started to get thrown around. I felt exhausted and just wanted to be on that beach so desperately. Eventually a wave tossed me down and my hand went into the sand. I stood up and waded my way out of the sea.

As I came out a local Frenchman was there to greet and congratulate me. I waved my arms to the boat to confirm the end of the swim and heard them clapping and cheering. Then the Frenchman shook my hand and he was soon followed by another and then four more, all wanting to shake my hand and ask me about the swim. They were also taking pictures of me. I even had a little white poodle come to greet me. I have to say I found this spontaneous reception very touching and made the whole experience even more special for me. As I started to shiver a kind woman offered me her coat. I thanked her and explained I had to get back to the boat. As I returned to the sea my French friends were cheering and clapping.

I managed to get back to the boat and again was congratulated by all. This is when the cold struck! I shook and my coordination went completely. Stanley ended up having to dress me. I felt like an old person being dressed by a carer! Once I was dressed the sickness kicked in and I was violently sick over the side of the boat! I was told to lie down at the back of the boat where it was dry. I lay there in pain, drifting in and out of sleep. Eventually, I felt water swamping round me and decided it was time to get up. By now everyone was tired and feeling unwell. The journey home took an epic 6 hours in very rough sea. We were all so glad to get back on dry land.

I want to say a big thank you to Chris Pountney for standing in as my support swimmer at very short notice and to Mike Pelling who almost singlehandedly delt with my feeds throughout my entire swim.

And of course thanks to the great Freda, all my friends at Dover and on the Google group, and everyone else who has offered me support. I simply couldn't have done it without you all.

Cheers

Mark